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Small Business Center continues pattern of growth under Henry’s leadership

2015-10-23
Photo of Nicole Dexter, Chip Owen and Tiffany Henry
Tiffany Henry (right) recently completed her second year as director of SCC’s Small Business Center. She’s shown here with Nicole Dexter (left) and Chip Owen, owners of Innovation Brewing in Sylva.

Topping Tiffany Henry’s first year as director of Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center was no easy task.

During the 2014-15 fiscal year, Henry has been named “Rookie of the Year” by North Carolina’s Small Business Center Network for her efforts in exponentially expanding the number of services available to entrepreneurs in SCC’s service area.

Rather than plateauing or dropping off in 2014-15, Henry’s numbers once again showed astronomical growth this past year. The Small Business Center offered more seminars (93 compared to 57) and drew more attendees (1,266 compared to 798) than the year before, and Henry still managed to almost double the counseling hours she provided (506, up from 255).

“We continue to be amazed and inspired by the way Tiffany engages our community,” said Dr. Thom Brooks, vice president for instruction and student services at SCC. “She finds out what services and topics are needed, and she delivers. She’s an outstanding resource for existing and aspiring business owners throughout Jackson, Macon, Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary.”

Throughout the spring, Henry organized the Creative Business Plan Competition and Training Series – an opportunity for professional crafters in the area to gain vital skills for running their own business while simultaneously competing to win a $3,000 grand prize for the best business plan developed through participating in the series.

Aaron Beck of Backwoods Sculpture Studio in Sylva won that contest.

Henry also helped organize the inaugural Appalachian Farm School that reached more than 20 area farmers. Plans are in the works for the second-annual Farm School starting Jan. 12.

“I thoroughly enjoy getting to know and help all of the entrepreneurs throughout our service area,” Henry said. “They are the backbone of our economy, and it’s an honor to serve them and help connect them with the resources they need to be successful.”

For more information about SCC’s Small Business Center and the variety of services it offers, including free upcoming seminars and confidential counseling, contact Henry at t_henry@southwesterncc.edu  or 828.339.4211.
 
Southwestern, which WalletHub ranks among the Top 10 community colleges in the nation, serves Jackson, Macon, Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary. For more information about SCC and the programs it offers, visit www.southwesterncc.edu  or call828.339.4000.

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